Valdespino Deliciosa Manzanilla Sherry (NV, 375mL)

Valdespino, Marqués del Real Tesoro, alongside with La Guita, belong to The José Estévez Group of bodegas, all established well over a century ago.

Similar to more common Fino, Manzanilla is a relatively light body, more fresh taste Sherry made in the port of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The style is aged under intact yeast flor, without much oxygen exposure. The special taste of Manzanilla is often associated with “Sea Salt”.  This particular style of Sherry has its own legal appellation, Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda DOP.

Deliciosa is made by Maribel Estévez, enologist and daughter of the owner José Estévez. The grapes are sourced from the pago Miraflores and the solera system consists of seven scales including the Soleara. There are two sacas per year, in spring and autumn.

The sherry on the nose has fresh apple and citrus, with lots of dried herbs and green olives. The flor is easy to note. The minerality of Miraflores as well. Hints of warm shore sand and ropes. Almonds. Hay. Chamomile of course. Nice mix of fresh appeal and aged notes.

On the palate, the sherry offers sharper and more heavily flavoured than I was expecting from the nose.  It’s dry and saline, with a big savoury character, yet it stays fresh and nicely polished. Good acidity. Hazelnut, olive brine and minerals. Subtle notes of unripe pear. Light hints of herbs. Saline finish with citrusy